Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

The Autopsy of Jane Doe Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov May 18, 2017

Winner of Best Picture Award at Fantastic Fest Jury and Second Place People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, Andre Ovredal's "The Autopsy of Jane Doe" (2016) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Australian label Umbrella Entertainment. The supplemental features on the disc include an original trailer for the film; promotional materials; behind the scenes featurette; and a large program with multiple cast and crew interviews. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

Cold eyes

For a complete analysis of Andre Ovredal's The Autopsy of Jane Doe, please see Dr. Stephen Larson's recent review of Shout Factory's Blu-ray release here.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.39:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Andre Ovredal's The Autopsy of Jane Doe arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Umbrella Entertainment.

The film was shot with the ARRI Alexa camera and apparently there is only one digital master -- which was prepared at the same time when a DCP was finalized -- that is available for licensing. In other words, the various Blu-ray releases of the film that are coming out in different territories should be sourced from the same digital master.

While there are a few minor fluctuations in terms of clarity and tonal balance that are introduced by the very specific manner in which light and shadow are managed by cinematographer Roman Osin, depth and fluidity are quite simply outstanding. The ARRI camera is probably largely responsible for the terrific quality of the visuals, but it is quite clear that the digital master is also really strong. Colors are stable, rich, and nicely balanced. Image stability is outstanding. Lastly, there are no transfer-specific issues to address. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player regardless of your geographical location).

The Autopsy of Jane Doe Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There is only one standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature. When turned on, they split the image frame and the black bar below it. (The subtitles cannot be accessed via the main menu. You have to use your remote control to turned them on).

The film has a fully digital soundtrack. Rather predictably, clarity, depth, and balance are terrific. Also, while there isn't a great deal of elaborate surround movement, there are a number or sequences with some very effective separation. The film's overall sound design, however, favors nuances over pure dynamic oomph.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

NOTE: All of the supplemental features on this Blu-ray release are perfectly playable on North American Blu-ray players, including the PS3.

• Trailer - original trailer for The Autopsy of Jane Doe. In English, not subtitled. (2 min).

• Promo Clips - a collection of original promotional clips for The Autopsy of Jane Doe. In English, not subtitled. (11 min).

• Behind the Scenes - this featurette contains raw footage from the shooting of The Autopsy of Jane Doe in which dierctor Andre Ovredal is frequently seen giving instructions. Cast comments can be heard as well. In English, not subtitled. (14 min).

• Cast and Crew Interviews - presented here is a large program featuring new video interviews with director Andre Ovredal and cast and crew members. In English, not subtitled. (61 min).
  
  1. Andre Ovredal - the director discusses his initial impressions of the script for The Autopsy of Jane Doe, the evolution of the narrative, his interaction with Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch, his preparation for the shoot, etc.
  
  2. Ben Pugh - producer Ben Pugh recalls how he became involved with The Autopsy of Jane Doe, his first impressions of the script, his contacts with director Andre Ovredal, etc.
  
  3. Brian Cox - the actor discusses the character he plays in The Autopsy of Jane Doe, the film's atmosphere, his work with director Andre Ovredal and Emile Hirsch, the horror genre and its maturation (in relation to this film), etc.
  
  4. Emile Hirsch - the actor explains what attracted him to The Autopsy of Jane Doe, how he prepared for his role (and his experiences at the LA Country morgue), the dynamic of the relationship between Austin (his character) and Tommy (Brian Cox's character), his impressions of Andre Ovredal's working methods, etc.
  
  5. Eric Garcia and Fred Berger - the two producers discuss some key elements from the plot of The Autopsy of Jane Doe, Brian Cox's contribution to the film, the production process, etc.
  
  6. Ian B. Goldberg and Richard Naing - on my disc, which is a market copy, this segment does not have an audio. There appears to be some encoding error. (The label has confirmed that the issue is present only on my disc. All market copies will have the feature working properly. Purchase with confidence).
  
  7. Ophelia Lovibond - actress Ophelia Lovibond discusses the character she plays (Emma) as well as the style and atmosphere of the film.

• Cover - reversible cover.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Andre Ovredal's The Autopsy of Jane Doe is one seriously atmospheric thriller that should appeal to folks that had a good time with Robert Eggers' The Witch. The two films of course have very different settings, but they ooze a very similar dark intensity. Australian label Umbrella Entertainment's technical presentation of The Autopsy of Jane Doe is excellent, and the Blu-ray release has a strong selection of supplemental features that are not included on the U.S. Blu-ray release. However, on my copy the segment with writers Ian B. Goldberg and Richard Naing appears to have some encoding error as there is no audio on it. At this point I have not been able to confirm if it appears only on my copy. (UPDATE: The label has confirmed that the issue is present only on my disc. All market copies will have the feature working properly. Purchase with confidence). RECOMMENDED.